Morning Prayer: Tue, 13 Dec – Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23; Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Matthew 21:28-32 ~ unashamed and unafraid

Tuesday in the Third Week of Advent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence – (In the preparation days of Celtic Advent)

+ We have waited long for You. Deep has been our darkness.
+ We long for You to shine right here among us where we are.
+ We will not fear the shadows that surround us if only You will come among us!
+ We wait for the sound of a cry in the night, the joy that follows pain, the coming of hope.
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Reading: Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23 (NLT)

I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
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In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
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The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
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Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 (NLT)

What sorrow awaits rebellious, polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence and crime! No one can tell it anything; it refuses all correction. It does not trust in the Lord or draw near to its God.
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“Then I will purify the speech of all people, so that everyone can worship the Lord together. My scattered people who live beyond the rivers of Ethiopia will come to present their offerings. On that day you will no longer need to be ashamed, for you will no longer be rebels against me. I will remove all proud and arrogant people from among you. There will be no more haughtiness on my holy mountain. Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will never tell lies or deceive one another. They will eat and sleep in safety, and no one will make them afraid.”
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Reading: Matthew 21:28-32 (NLT)

“But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.

“Which of the two obeyed his father?”

They replied, “The first.”

Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.
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Prayer:

Sovereign God, may your Kingdom come! It is time for us to wake from our sleep: the day of our salvation is near.

+ Help us to show our repentance by a new way of living.
+ Prepare us for the coming of your Word by opening our hearts to receive him.
+ Help us to overcome our pride, and raise us from the depths of our weakness.
+ Throw down the walls of hatred between nations; clear the way for those who work for peace.

Sovereign God, may your kingdom come! On earth as it is in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen!
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“Christ is Here (Through the Prophets)” – New Scottish Hymns Band

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Blessing

Make your heart ready for the King of Glory to come in. Pray: come dwell among us and be our peace today.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holly Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: Mon, 12 Dec – Psalm 24:4-9; Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17; Matthew 21:23-27 ~ open up

Monday in the Third Week of Advent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence – (In the preparation days of Celtic Advent)

Reading: Psalm 24:4-9 (NLT)

Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.

Eastern Gate City Walls of Jerusalem — Eastern Gate
City Walls of Jerusalem

Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle.

Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.
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Reading: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 (NLT)

Then the Spirit of God came upon him, and this is the message he delivered:

“This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of the man whose eyes see clearly, the message of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:

How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob; how lovely are your homes, O Israel! They spread before me like palm groves, like gardens by the riverside. They are like tall trees planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters. Water will flow from their buckets; their offspring have all they need. Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted.

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This is the message Balaam delivered: “This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of the man whose eyes see clearly, the message of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:

I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the heads of Moab’s people, cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth.

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Reading: Matthew 21:23-27 (NLT)

When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”

“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”

They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn’t believe John. But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet.” So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”
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Prayer:

Come, Lord Jesus – as we take up again our daily work, bless us.

+ You are the Daystar, powerfully dispelling our darkness: awaken our faith from sleep.
+ Reveal your presence in the world through our lives.
+ Create a new world, where justice and peace may find a home.
+ End the long night of our pride, and make us humble of heart.

In your love, Father, listen to our prayer: may your Son at his coming dispel by his grace all darkness in our hearts, and may his justice and peace reign forever. Amen.
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“Daystar Carol 2014 Odun”

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Blessing

Make your heart ready for the King of Glory to come in. Pray: come dwell among us and be our peace today.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holly Spirit. Amen!

3rd Sunday of Advent, 11 Dec: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10; Psalm 146:6-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 ~ a day for rejoicing

Third Sunday of Advent

Traditionally, this Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing’. Advent is about half over, and the day of the Lord’s coming is nearer. We worship God who promises us joy without end.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

God of glory and compassion, at your touch the wilderness blossoms, broken lives are made whole, and fearful hearts grow strong in faith.

Open our eyes to your presence and awaken our hearts to sing your praise. To all who long for your Son’s return grant perseverance and patience, that we may announce in word and deed the good news of the kingdom.

We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“When We All Get to Heaven” – Bill & Gloria Gaither

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (NLT)
[Isaiah looks forward to the Day of Joy, when God’s power will be seen on earth.]

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God.

With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland.
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Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 146:6-10 (NLT)

He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord!
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“What Joy (Psalm 146)” – Sarah Emerson

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A Reading from the Letters: James 5:7-10 (NLT)
[James reminds us to be patient, for the Lord’s coming in glory will be soon.]

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!

For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 11:2-11 (NLT)
[Isaiah’s prophesied came to pass in the life of Jesus.]

John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’ “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!
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“Hail to the Lord’s Annointed” – Indelible Grace

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Intercessory Prayer:

We rejoice in God, our Lord and Savior, who raises up those who are bowed down. Gracious God, hear our prayers:

+ That all the peoples of the world may discover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all Christians everywhere may be filled with joy as they prepare for the Lord’s coming…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the blind, the lame, the sick and the deaf may receive healing and strength…. Lord, hear us.
+ That children everywhere who are in need this day, may be provided for and loved…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people who live in fear may have courage and confidence in your certain return…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who have died (especially through violence in the Middle East), may be raised up to glory…. Lord, hear us.

O God, you keep faith with those in need of your kindness and justice, receive our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Gaudete” – Celtic Thunder

Gaudete! gaudete! Christus est natus ex Maria Virgine: Gaudete!
[Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born of the Virgin Mary: rejoice!]

Tempus adest gratiae, Hoc quod optabamus;
Carmina laeticiae Devote redamus.
[The time of grace has come, This that we have desired;
Verses of joy, Let us devoutly return.]

Deus homo factus est, Natura mirante;
Mundus renovatus est, A Christo regnante.
[God has become man, Nature marveling;
The world has been renewed, By the reigning Christ.]

Ergo nostra concito Psallat iam in lustro;
Benedicat Domino: Salus Regi nostro.
[Therefore let our gathering, Now sing in brightness
Let it give praise to the Lord: Greeting to our King.]

Gaudete! gaudete! Christus est natus ex Maria Virgine: Gaudete!
Gaudete! gaudete! Christus est natus ex Maria Virgine: Gaudete!
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Benediction:

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. – Revelation 22:20-21
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: Sat, 10 Dec – Psalm 80:2- 3, 15-16, 18-19; Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Matthew 17:9-13 ~ come to rescue us

Saturday in the Second Week of Advent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence – (In the preparation days of Celtic Advent)

Reading: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 (NLT)

Show us your mighty power. Come to rescue us! Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.
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Take care of this grapevine that you yourself have planted, this son you have raised for yourself. For we are chopped up and burned by our enemies. May they perish at the sight of your frown.
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Then we will never abandon you again. Revive us so we can call on your name once more. Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.
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Reading: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 (RSVCE)

Monastery of St Catherine, Icon: The Prophet Elijah.

Then the prophet Eli′jah arose like a fire, and his word burned like a torch. He brought a famine upon them, and by his zeal he made them few in number. By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens, and also three times brought down fire. How glorious you were, O Eli′jah, in your wondrous deeds! And who has the right to boast which you have?
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You who were taken up by a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with horses of fire; you who are ready at the appointed time, it is written, to calm the wrath of God before it breaks out in fury, to turn the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.

Blessed are those who saw you, and those who have been adorned in love; for we also shall surely live.
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Reading: Matthew 17:9-13 (NLT)

The icon of John the Baptist from Assumption Cathedral of the Ryazan Kremlin. XVI century

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Then his disciples asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?”

Jesus replied, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but he wasn’t recognized, and they chose to abuse him. And in the same way they will also make the Son of Man suffer.” Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.
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Prayer:

Mighty God: As now we live in faith and hope, prepare us to see your face.

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!

+ We await your return: Come, Jesus, our Saviour!
+ We await your wisdom and understanding: Come, Jesus, our Saviour!
+ We await your counsel and power: Come, Jesus, our Saviour!
+ We await your revelation of the Father: Come, Jesus, our Saviour!

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Days of Elijah” – Paul Wilbur

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Blessing

Make your heart ready for the King of Glory to come in. Pray: come dwell among us and be my peace today.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holly Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: Fri, 09 Dec – Psalm 1:1-6; Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19 ~ listen and prosper

Friday in the Second Week of Advent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence – (In the preparation days of Celtic Advent)

Reading: Psalm 1:1-6 (NLT)

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
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Reading: Isaiah 48:17-19 (NLT)

This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea. Your descendants would have been like the sands along the seashore—too many to count! There would have been no need for your destruction, or for cutting off your family name.”

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Reading: Matthew 11:16-19 (NLT)

“To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,

‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn’t mourn.’

For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.”
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Prayer:

Heavenly Father:

+ You have taught me what is good
+ You have led, me along the paths to follow
+ You have given me a love for Your Word
+ You have blessed my life that I may bless others

In this season of Advent: fill me with Your Spirit

+ That I may enter into the joy of the season
+ That I may hear and obey Your Word to me
+ That I may live faithfully in this age
+ That I may be prepared for the age to come

Lord Jesus Christ: be glorified in me and, through me, in others. Amen.
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“Song on Psalm 1” – Sons of Korah

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Blessing

Make your heart ready for the King of Glory to come in. Pray: come dwell among us and be my peace today.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holly Spirit. Amen!

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